Tripwire Presents, the publishing division ofĀ Tripwire Interactive, alongside developerĀ Arctic Hazard, has released two final developer diaries forĀ NORSE Oath of BloodĀ ahead of its February 17 launch on Windows PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG.
The Viking-era turn-based tactical game set in Dark Age Norway is almost here, and these latest behind-the-scenes videos pull back the shield-wall to show exactly how this brutal saga has been forged.
Developer Diary Two ā€“ Worldbuilding
The second diary, titledĀ Worldbuilding, focuses on bringing Dark Age Norway to life ā€” not just visually, but emotionally.
Players are introduced to the key characters shaping Gunnarā€™s journey, along with the actors and developers responsible for crafting them. The video also highlights the technology used to create cinematic sequences and richly detailed environments designed to feel authentic, grounded, and lived-in.
This isnā€™t a glossy Viking fantasy. The wilds feel untamed. Settlements feel vulnerable. And every landscape reflects the harsh reality of the era. From snow-swept terrain to wooden longhouses, the world looks built to immerse players fully in Gunnarā€™s blood-soaked path.
Watch the Video here
Developer Diary Three ā€“ Battle and Combat
The third and final diary shifts focus to what many strategy fans care about most ā€” combat.
TitledĀ Battle and Combat, the video dives into how Viking warfare culture shaped the gameā€™s turn-based tactical systems. Throughout Gunnarā€™s story, players will face a variety of threats:
- Wild beasts lurking in the Norwegian wilderness
- Bandits preying on weakened settlements
- Disciplined warriors capable of advanced tactics such as shield-wall formations
This means strategy must constantly evolve. Charging in blindly wonā€™t cut it. Positioning, preparation, and adapting to enemy tactics will determine survival.
Settlement management also plays a critical role. Rebuilding Gunnarā€™s home isnā€™t just narrative flavour ā€” it directly impacts your warbandā€™s strength. Even newly recruited warriors can be equipped with powerful gear if your settlement is thriving, allowing them to step into battle ready for bloodshed.
Watch the new dev diary here
A Saga of Vengeance
InĀ NORSE Oath of Blood, players take on the role of Gunnar, a young warrior whose life is shattered when Steinarr Far-Spear murders his father, Jarl Gripr, and seizes power.
Gunnarā€™s mission is clear: rebuild, gather allies, and reclaim honour.
Across Dark Age Norway, youā€™ll forge alliances, confront rival clans, and shape the political and military future of your settlement. Every decision carries weight ā€” diplomacy, recruitment, upgrades, and battlefield tactics all combine to influence the course of Gunnarā€™s revenge.
Itā€™s a blend of personal story and strategic warfare, wrapped in a grounded historical setting rather than myth-heavy spectacle.
Editions, Pre-Purchase Bonuses and Discounts
NORSE: Oath of BloodĀ is available now for digital pre-purchase on PC ahead of its February 17 release.
- Standard Edition:Ā $34.99
- Special Edition:Ā $44.99 (includes Kievan War armor set and unique Ulfberht sword)
All PC pre-purchases receive:
- 15% discount until launch
- Brokkrā€™s Bearded Axe ā€” a powerful weapon designed to turn the tide of battle
The added gear will likely give early adopters a noticeable edge when facing those early shield-wall encounters.
Music and Expanded Lore
The atmosphere extends beyond gameplay. The latest singleĀ LEGACYĀ from dark neo-folk band GaldorcrƦft features in the game, reinforcing its brooding tone. Fans can also exploreĀ Sword Brothers, the official short prequel story written by Giles Kristian, offering deeper context to Gunnarā€™s world before stepping into the campaign.
For strategy fans who enjoy historically grounded settings, meaningful settlement progression, and deliberate tactical combat,Ā NORSE Oath of BloodĀ looks ready to deliver a focused Viking experience when it launches February 17.
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